entertainment Archives

Why Does Some Music Make You Cry?

There are few people who know less about music than me, but a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about music and emotion grabbed my attention.

The piece attempted to answer an interesting question:

Why is some music more likely to make people cry?

Is it a matter of nostalgia, a tune tied to a specific time or event in our lives? Or is it the strength, power and message within the song’s lyrics?

Not according to some experts.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, pop culture March 7, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Wisdom of an Old Footballer

Franz Beckenbauer is one of the most decorated “footballers” (soccer players) in the history of the game. The sixty-year-old retired German star now serves the sport in an executive capacity and writes a regular column for a European tabloid. And although I’m not a fan of soccer, I recently came across a wire story that speaks beyond the mechanics of the sport itself.

Mr. Beckenbauer was asked the other day about a player named Arjen Robben, a highly touted Dutch winger.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, husband February 27, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Best Quote on the Internet?

“The trouble with quotes on the internet is that it’s difficult to discern whether or not they are genuine.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Happy Friday!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment February 24, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Broadcast of the Year

I have some good news for you.

Our broadcast team is back in the office today after spending the last several days in Nashville, Tenn., for the annual National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention. It’s always a fast-paced and fruitful time of seeing old friends and meeting new ones who share our passion for communicating timeless biblical truths through radio, television, the Internet and ever-growing world of mobile apps.

This year’s NRB was a little-extra special, though, as the Focus on the Family daily broadcast was named Radio Program of the Year in an awards ceremony yesterday.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, entertainment February 22, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Few Words About Jeremy Lin

Commentators are suggesting that Jeremy Lin is just what the NBA needed, a “Taiwanese Tebow,” as some have dubbed him, pointing to his outward expression of the Christian faith and his ability to capture the attention of spdorts fans everywhere.

To be sure, the 24-year-old standout from Harvard is giving kids (and kids at heart) someone and something fun to cheer about. And in the NBA, with the disproportionate moral deficiencies amongst some of its players, that’s no small feat, no pun intended.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture February 16, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did Hollywood Weaken “The Vow”?

The Vow,starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, was the number one film at the box office this past weekend, pulling in a remarkable $41 million. The romantic drama was billed as the ultimate “chick flick” with a lot of suspense rolled in for good measure.

The story revolves around a young couple who fall in love, marry and shortly thereafter, encounter the ultimate test in their relationship. The young wife is gravely injured in a car accident.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, marriage February 15, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Prayer at Grammy’s Reflects National Consensus

Although I didn’t watch the Grammy Awards last night, I did hear about host LL Cool J’s opening prayer. It was offered in response to the sudden death of singer Whitney Houston.

Saying that it was the only thing that felt right to do, here is how he prayed:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sharing our sister Whitney with us. Today our thoughts are with her mother, her daughter and all of her loved ones.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, pop culture February 13, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Ten Ads That Show Just How Much Family Life Has Changed

It’s Friday! It’s also been a heavy news week, so I thought it might be good to lighten things up. A colleague came across these advertisements. Today’s family life is just a wee bit different, don’t you think?

Here they are:

Dad is appearing a bit insensitive. But for a family of four these folks certainly use a lot of dishes…

I was just reminding Jean of this the other day…

Hmm…did somebody really think this was a wise idea?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment February 10, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Christians and NFL “Goats” Have in Common

It’s always painful to watch another person hang their head in shame, even if it’s over a non-critical issue like a fumble or a shanked field goal in the NFL playoffs.

So, when the Baltimore Ravens’ Billy Cundiff missed wide to the left against the New England Patriots and the 49ers Kyle Williams fumbled his second punt return of the game against the New York Giants this past Sunday, many of us winced.

That’s because most of us don’t like to see another person hurting.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events January 24, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is it a Sin to Watch a Movie That Takes God’s Name in Vain?

At the start of the weekend it seems appropriate to broach the subject of movies. Our Plugged In team receives thousands of emails each year, asking a variety of entertainment-related questions. I’d like to share one which we received recently:

In your movie ratings you include a section labeled “profanity.” I have a particular problem when the Name of Jesus is used as a cuss word….My question is this: Is it a sin to watch a movie where Jesus Name is used this way?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment January 20, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura